Optimization of rescue operations at sea
In an emergency, safe evacuation must happen quickly. That's why passengers on a cruise ship are monitored in real time. This is made possible by wireless technology and a research project.
Shipwrecks of the Costa Concordia and the South Korean ferry Sewol have stirred emotions in recent years. Such tragedies cost many lives and testify to the confusion that an accident at sea can cause. Today, the crew has no way of knowing where the passengers are, whether some of them have fallen into the water or are blocked in inadequate places. In most cases, the captain and his crew monitor the rescue operation only with the help of a map of the various decks of the ship.
Networked objects for passenger localization
The development of a management system for evacuations concludes the European project Lnyceus2Market the gap. A central role is played by the wireless technologies of the Swiss research and development center CSEM: The "icycom" chip, the communication protocols and the localization algorithms ensure the transmission of the localization data of the persons on board and are all characterized by their very low power consumption. In emergency situations, the captain can thus quickly assess the situation and initiate the appropriate measures. It will also be possible to monitor rescue operations and evacuation in real time.
The system developed integrates a range of cutting-edge technologies, from communications infrastructure to the wristband worn by passengers, miniature antennas and man-machine interfaces. At its core is the network of smart beacons. It exchanges data with networked objects such as life jackets, wristbands or cabin access cards and provides precise information on the location of the ship's occupants.
Display of the evacuation in real time
Portable instruments for passenger detection and decision support software with real-time visualization complete the system. Tests and simulations have been realized on cruise ships to verify its effectiveness. The last demonstration took place recently in Greece in front of politicians, including representatives of the European Commission, and proved to be very convincing.
Source: CSEM Research and Development Center
